80% lower finishing

[Gatorade]

Ok I got my Range Tool 80% lower and just ordered the Range Tool jig to match. I will wait to see when it arrives but I don't think it has drill bits or end mills. I also don't have a drill Press but I have a hand drill and a couple routers. I may not be able to get to this till after we move next month. So while I have a couple weeks I wanted to see if anyone has had any experience with these. Speciffacly with sources for bits and end mills.

80% lower
http://www.rangetool.com/store/index...80percent.html

80% lower jig
http://www.rangetool.com/store/index...lower-jig.html

[Horse'nround]

Okay, you're scaring me... Have you done this before?

mills and routers are a lethal combo. A drill press and an X/Y vise are a minimum requirement.

do you know anyone with a mill?

[Caleb]

Subbed for updates. I have no advice on this as I have never done it.

[Gatorade]

Originally Posted by Horse'nround

Okay, you're scaring me... Have you done this before?

mills and routers are a lethal combo. A drill press and an X/Y vise are a minimum requirement.

do you know anyone with a mill?

Never done it. The mill is to clean up after drilling out the meat of the pocket. The jig keeps things inline once you get started. No access to a drill press or a mill, or a CNC machine. If I really need to I could wait till I can see about buying a drill press but if not necessary I would like to avoid that expense.

[AFJuvat]

Originally Posted by Gatorade

Never done it. The mill is to clean up after drilling out the meat of the pocket. The jig keeps things inline once you get started. No access to a drill press or a mill, or a CNC machine. If I really need to I could wait till I can see about buying a drill press but if not necessary I would like to avoid that expense.

You will need a drill press at a minimum...

Unless you are positive you can drill perfectly straight holes.

[RandallZ]

At a minimum, you'll need a 5/6x4" center cut end mill, plus the drill bits for the trigger and selector pins. Using a 3/8 end mill will make a more conventional firing group pocket, but a 5/16 will work, too.

I would recommend working out some way to hold your drill exactly perpendicular to the jig. The mill and drill bits will eat into the jig as easily as the lower. Even a cheap import mill-drill from CraigsList would be better than trying free-hand.

Good luck with your project.

Randall

[Gatorade]

Well it may be easier to get the Harbor Freight drill Press. With the 20% coupon it would be in the $55 range so that won't be bad. Will need to wait till after the move in June. Then some carbide bits and an end mill should be good to go!

[RandallZ]

Originally Posted by Gatorade

Well it may be easier to get the Harbor Freight drill Press. With the 20% coupon it would be in the $55 range so that won't be bad. Will need to wait till after the move in June. Then some carbide bits and an end mill should be good to go!

Carbide bits would be overkill (and needlessly expensive). For drilling the lower, HSS is fine. If you plan to drill stainless steel, you might want to invest in Cobalt, but otherwise save the $$$ and use it to buy a decent vise.

[Gatorade]

Originally Posted by RandallZ

Carbide bits would be overkill (and needlessly expensive). For drilling the lower, HSS is fine. If you plan to drill stainless steel, you might want to invest in Cobalt, but otherwise save the $$$ and use it to buy a decent vise.

I already had a vice and a stand for it.

[Gatorade]

I am going to save a few links here for some of the tools I am considering. When I start milling I will make a new thread with my step by step.

http://www.modulusarms.com/jig-fabrication-tool-kit/

http://www.80lowerjig.com/router-jig...ar-15-80-arms/

https://www.turners.com/80-percent-a...g-tool--280110

https://www.80-percent-lower.com/Carbide-End-Mill